Wetlands International at CBD COP16

Published on:
Event
Event start date:
Date: -

The Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) will be held in Cali, Colombia from 21 October – 1 November 2024.

COP 16 will be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 in December 2022.

At COP 16, governments will be tasked with reviewing the state of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Parties to the Convention are expected to show the alignment of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Framework. COP 16 will further develop the monitoring framework and advance resource mobilization for the Global Biodiversity Framework. 

View on Youtube. Opens in a new window

Monday 21 October

The 2050 vision and wetlands

Where: Paramos – NGOs meeting room; Plaza One

When: 13:20-14:40

The event will build commitment and showcase efforts towards delivering on the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) through wetland actions. The event will promote implementation of the 6th Joint Work Plan of Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Wetlands; encourage further inclusion of wetland targets and measures in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs); and strengthen protection, restoration and wise use of wetlands in line with the strategic objectives of the Convention on Wetlands.

Watering NBSAPs: Incorporating wetland action into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans for nature, people and climate

Where: Sumapaz – JUSCANZ meeting room; Plaza One

When: 18:00-19:20

This side event will:

  1. Present findings of assessment of wetlands in NBSAPs and national targets covering NBSAPs submitted in the advance of COP16, focusing on diverse wetland types and highlighting examples of wetlands of high biodiversity importance.
  2. Showcase examples of wetland restoration and conservation from Contracting Parties, including France and Zambia, and others  – highlighting the contribution of wetlands to the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan including targets on restoration, 30×30, species, climate, ecosystem services, and urban green and blue spaces.
  3. Share best practices and practical guidance for designing and delivering wetland action through NBSAPs, across a range of wetland ecosystems, to enhance synergies across multiple MEAs. 

Blue Carbon: Achieving the global biodiversity targets on Kunming-Montreal and sustainable development goals

Where: Amazonia – PLENARY / Working Group I; CEVP Ground floor

When: 18:00-19:20

This side event aims to provide a basis for discussion on how blue carbon ecosystems, mainly mangroves and seagrasses, contribute to the achievement of the global goals of the KMGBF, SDGs, Decade of Restoration and Decade of Ocean Sciences, especially for climate action (mitigation and adaptation), biodiversity conservation, generation of economic alternatives for the communities using these ecosystems, taking into account gender equity and sustainable development.

Wednesday 23 October

Upscaling Nature Based Solutions in Water Infrastructure: The Biodiversity Connection

Where: The Netherlands Pavilion

When: 13:00-14:15

Friday 25 October

Conservation and restoration of water-related ecosystems for peace with nature

Where: GBF Pavilion

When: 14:00-15:00

The Freshwater Challenge

Where: Cocora – Subnational and Local Authorities meeting room; Plaza One

When: 18:00-19:20

Freshwater Ecosystems have suffered the greatest loss of biodiversity in the last 70 years, and yet are the foundation of water resilience for people and nature and essential for adaptation to the climate crisis. 45 countries recognise this and have joined the Freshwater Challenge (FWC), committing to restore and protect rivers, wetlands and lakes as part of their NBSAPs, NDCs, NAPs, LDN and national strategies. This event will highlight how these countries are putting this into action, and how we have the data, knowledge and tools to ensure freshwater biodiversity thrives as our rivers are revived.

Monday, 28 October

Mangrove conservation and restoration maximizing synergies with climate change control, disaster risk and poverty reduction for coastal communities

Where:

Cocuy – Marie Khan Women’s Caucus meeting room; Plaza One

When: 15:00-16:20

This side event will:

  1. Share mangrove ecosystem conservation and restoration activities by partner country, organizations, private sector and JICA,  
  2. Identify good practices and challenges for ensuring synergies with the multiple ecosystem services, and
  3. Discuss how we manage mangrove conservation and restoration projects ensuring multiple ecosystem services and contribute to the achievement of relevant national and global goals and targets

Thursday 31 October

Peatland Power: Cultivating Biodiversity, Climate Resilience and Livelihoods

Where: Mavecure – Business and Industry Organizations meeting room; Plaza One

When: 11:40-13:00

This side event will:

  • Explore how peatland landscape protection, restoration and sustainable use can benefit of biodiversity, climate and people, playing a critical role in achieving the Biodiversity Plan
  • Showcase insightful and inspirational stories and case studies of peatland conservation, restoration and management from South America, Africa, Europe and Asia
  • Provide practical routes for including peatlands in NBSAPs, delivering multiple targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, and enhance synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements

A list of publications